World Wi-Fi Day: More than half of world’s urban population has no broadband access

NEW DELHI: More than half of the global urban population still doesn’t have broadband access , with more than a third living in some of the world’s wealthiest cities, according to an independent research study commissioned by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), to mark Monday’s inaugural World Wi-Fi Day.

The report, which aims to identify the amount of unconnected citizens living in urban areas across the globe, in both developed and emerging economies, has found the number of urban unconnected is highest in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions. Yet connectivity still remains a key issue in Europe and North America.

According to the findings, Europe has the lowest percentage of urban unconnected at 17%, the Middle East and Africa has the highest proportion of urban unconnected citizens at 82%. It said that London is the most connected major global city (only 8% unconnected), while Lagos is the least connected city (88.3%).

Almost a quarter (23%) of people in North America don’t have broadband connection despite having the world’s highest average monthly income. In Los Angeles, 24.9% of citizens lack a broadband connection.

The report said that just over two thirds (68%) of people in Asia Pacific have no broadband connections, while 55% of people in Latin America are without broadband.

The study reveals that levels of income are closely linked to broadband adoption rates, but also other aspects play a role such as age, access to computers and computer literacy.

The lack of urban connectivity can be attributed to number technological and political challenges, from low levels of income to the high cost of fixed and mobile services, the report said.

“There is a clear divide between the digital haves and the digital have-nots. And while this divide generally mirrors socioeconomic trends around the world, there are surprisingly high levels of urban unconnected citizens in major cities,” said Shrikant Shenwai, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance.

The Wireless Broadband Alliance has launched World Wi-Fi Day to promote the benefits of Wi-Fi and champion the exciting solutions being offered to the public to help bridge the digital divide.

“World Wi-Fi Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions being made to help connect the unconnected around the globe, whether they be in major cities or rural communities. We are therefore calling on cities, governments, operators and technology companies, including Facebook, Google and Microsoft, to come together today to help deliver affordable, sustainable connectivity for everyone, everywhere,” Shenwai said.

Jio’s Rs 2,399 annual plan offers 2GB per day data that costs effectively Rs 200 per month. It also offers unlimited voice and SMS. Airtel and Vodafone Idea’s Rs 2398 and Rs 2399 annual plans, on the other hand, offer 1.5GB per day data along with unlimited voice and SMS